National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

National Crime Victims’ Rights Week

April 24 – 30, 2022

For the past four decades, victim services across the country have witnessed the creation of victim rights legislation. For every new piece of legislation, there is hope that one day the laws of our criminal justice system will provide balanced, equal rights to victims and defendants alike.

Every year in April, the Office of Victims of Crime helps lead communities throughout the country in their annual observances of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week (NCVRW). The weeklong initiative promotes victims’ rights and honors crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf.

Rev. Dr. Robert Denton Outstanding Victim Service Award

The Rev. Dr. Robert Denton Outstanding Service award is given to an individual or a group of individuals who assist victims in the criminal justice, legislative, medical, mental health or social work arenas. 2014 was the first year we honored Dr. Denton by naming our annual HERO award in his honor.

The 2018 Recipient is Pamela Hinton, retired Vice Principal out of Barberton, Ohio and an avid supporter of victims’ right. Ms. Hinton was the victim of a violent attack at the hands of students after attempting to break up a fight. Victim Assistance Program is pleased and honored to award Pamela Hinton with the Rev. Dr. Denton Outstanding Service Award.

Past Recipients

The 2014 Rev. Dr. Denton Outstanding Victim Service Award was presented to Captain Sylvia Trundle, Akron Police Department.

The 2015 Rev. Dr. Denton Outstanding Victim Service Award was presented to Dana Zedak, Director of Rape Crisis Center of Medina and Summit Counties.

The 2016 Rev. Dr. Denton Outstanding Victim Service Award was presented to Judge Carol Dezso, Summit County Domestic Relations Court.

The 2017 Rev. Dr. Denton Outstanding Victim Service Award was presented to Emilia Sykes, Ohio State Representative.

The 2018 Rev. Dr. Denton Outstanding Victim Service Award was presented to Pamela Hinton, retired Barberton Vice-Principal.

The 2019 Rev. Dr. Denton Outstanding Victim Service Award was presented to Chief Fred Jackson, Cuyahoga Falls Fire Department.

The 2020 Rev. Dr. Denton Outstanding Victim Service Award was presented to Terri Heckman, President & CEO of Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center.

The 2021 Rev. Dr. Denton Outstanding Victim Service Award was presented to Judge Ron Cable, Akron Municipal Court.